 |
 |
|
December 2004
Dearly beloved in Christ,
Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Almighty Lord has granted us the privilege to enter into the last month of the year 2004. As we are preparing ourselves to enter into a new year, let us rededicate ourselves and give thanks to the Lord Almighty because He is good, His love endures forever.
Again Christmas, Christmas is God in the flesh, making tangible God’s feelings about you. You acknowledge such love when you put up your tree, decorate it with colors and shapes, and light it in joyful anticipation. You honor such a gift when you choose particular presents for special people and give them in love and appreciation. You affirm the coming of God in Christ when you read the story, sing the songs, listen to the word, accept the truth, and feel the touch and this gives the message of peace and joy.
But where is peace? And where is Joy? We have given new garments and measures to Christmas. To the modern world, Christmas is merely a celebration or something else. Let us stop and think a while! “Christmas is not turning the birth of Christ into a great celebration of greetings, illumination and decorations” But the core of Christmas is Christ himself. Christmas is knowing God loves you and comes to be with you. Christmas is God in your heart. Let us try to understand Jesus Christ more closely during this season and convey His message.
May the Peace, Joy and love of Christmas fill our hearts! God shares His resources for us in Christmas. Let us share all what we have for the glory of God.
I wish all of you a Happy and meaningful Christmas and a blessed prosperous new year.
Yours in Christ’s Love Jojan Achen |
Rev. Jojan Mathews John (Vicar)
We are blessed to be under the pastoral guidance and leadership of Rev. Jojan Mathew John as Vicar of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church NY. Achen's mother parish in India is Kuttapuzha Varicadu Sehion Mar Thoma Church located inThiruvalla. Achen attended college at Mar Thoma College, Thiruvalla; completed his M. Phil. from Bombay and received a Bachelors in Divinity from Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam. Rev. Jojan M. John was ordained as a priest in the Mar Thoma Church on July 6, 1994 and has served as Vicar previously at Trivandram Quillon Diocese (Kovilloor , Mezhacodu, Melpalai and Kuttamala[Kulasekharam Center] ) for five years and Mar Thoma Church Thane, Mumbai for five years. Jojan Achen was the convener for Land for Landless project and council member of the Trivadram Quilon Diocese. He served also as the president of the 35th Western India Youth Conference in 2001, Mumbai. In his many roles Achen has served very well as an administrator, organizer, and is also a talented singer. Achen's wife is Mrs. Susan Mathews John BSc, BEd, and children, Vishakh John Mathews, age 5, and Vrindha Chinnu Mathews, age 2. Achen's father, Rev. V. K. John, is a senior priest of the Mar Thoma Church.
Jojan Achen's Address in India is: Varikkamakkal House Chumathra P.O. Kuttapuzha, Thiruvalla 689103 Phone: 0469-2601424
email Jojan Achen at |
